[Naproxen sodium in the treatment of otitis]

Abstract

Objective: To assess the analgesic and anti-inflammatory value of sodium Naproxen in the treatment of otitis.

Design: A prospective study. There were interventions, but no controls. There was not a random distribution of the sample. SITE. Outpatient clinics in a Santander hospital.

Patients and other participants: Patients presenting symptoms of acute or chronic otitis.

Interventions: A group of 20 patients with acute otitis and a second group of 15 with chronic otitis were treated normally; while 20 other patients suffering acute otitis and 17 with chronic otitis received in addition to normal treatment 550 mg of sodium naproxen every 12 hours.

Main measurements and results: The evolution of the clinical description was evaluated along the following parameters: perforation of the tympanum, otorrhea, pain, vertigo, migraines, hypoacusis and audiometries in acute cases of otitis; and all these and also tympanic biopsy in chronic cases. The results obtained indicated a statistically significant anatomical-pathological improvement in chronic cases of otitis treated with sodium naproxen; whereas in cases of acute otitis, these differences were observed in parameters such as hypoacusis, tympanometry, perforation of the tympanum and effectiveness of and tolerance towards additional treatment with sodium Naproxen.

Conclusions: On the basis of the study's results as well as the high level of tolerance and absence of undesirable effects, we made a positive evaluation of the introduction of the aforesaid anti-inflammatory into the normal treatment of cases of otitis.